John adams



J. ADAMS.

I SOLAR TOP.

(No Model.)

Patented July 17, 1894.

I NTOR WIT ESSES: 55064620101,

ATTORNEY UERS cc mare-Lino" WASHINGTON n c (j STATES,

PATENT OFFICE.

JOHN ADAMS, OF MONTROSE, COLORADO, ASSIGNOR OF ONE-HALF TO DAVID A.OALLOWAY,:OF SAME PLACE.

SOLAR TOP.

SPECIFICATION forming part of Letters Patent No. 523,316, dated July 17,189 4.

' Application filed March 26, 1894:. Serial No. 505,035. (No model.)

To all whom it-may concern:

Be it known that I, JOHN ADAMS, a citizen of the United States ofAmerica, residing at Montrose, in the county of Montrose and State ofColorado, have invented certain new and useful Improvements in SolarTops; and I do declare the following to be a full, clear, and exactdescription of the invention, such as will enable others skilled in theart to which it appertains to make and use the same, reference being hadto the accompanying draw- 1ngs, and to the figures of reference markedthereon, which form a part of this specification.

My invention relates to improvements in solar tops, this device is acombination of top and mirror, whereby as the top spins in the sun, itsrays are reflected by the mirror, which rotates with the top-body. Thereflected rays are transferred to a wall or other suitable surfacelocated in proximity to the spinning top.

My improved device will be fully understood by reference to theaccompanying drawings in which is illustrated an embodiment thereof.

In the drawings, Figure l is an elevation of the top shown in connectionwith a tray specially adapted for use with the top, the tray being shownin section. Fig. 2 is a top or plan view of the same. Fig. 3 is asection taken through the top, the guide stem being partly'broken away.Fig. t is a plan view in detail, of the divided or sectional mirror.Figs. 5 and 6 are sectional elevations illustrating modified forms ofconstructions.

Similar reference characters indicating corresponding parts or elementsin these views, let the numeral 5 designate the top-body, which iscup-shaped, and centrallyapertured to receive a sleeve 7 which projectsboth above and below the bottom of the top.

The mirror 8 is provided with a central aperture 8*, partly closed by anelastic diaphragm 8, whose function is to grasp the sleeve7 as themirror is placed in position on the sleeve, whereby the mirror isretained or held against accidental displacement during the operation ofthe top. The part 7 a of the sleeve which projects below the bottom ofthe top-body, is provided with a pointed plug 9, preferably composed ofindia rubber, which the resulting reflections.

forms a flexible point or pivot on which the top spins. In the upperpart 7 of the sleeve 7, the guide stem 10 is inserted. The actuatingstring 12 is wound around the sleeve below the top-body, and the stem 10is held in one hand, thus supporting the top in position,

while the string is unwound by pulling with the other hand, thusimparting motion to the top. h

The tray 13 has a handle 13, and is provided with a conical concavity.

The variegated appearance of the reflected rays is increased by reasonof the flexible pivot, which imparts a vibratory movement to the top.The flexible pivot is specially designed for use when the top is spun inthe tray. When, however, the top is spun outside of the tray, or uponordinary surfaces, a rigid point may be provided by inserting a tack 9in the rubber plug. In this case, the shank of the tack is inserted inthe plug, and the head of the tack becomes the pivotal point of the top.

' In the construction shown in Fig.5, a'block 14 is recessed to receivethe upper part of the sleeve 7, whichfits loosely therein. In the uppersurface of this block is set the mirrorplate 8, which, as shown in Fig.4, is composed of two sections. By using a sectional mirror, a greatervariety of designs is presented by The beauty of the effect is alsoenhanced by setting the difierent sections of the mirror in difierentplanes, or at different angles, in the mirror holding block.

In the form shown in Fig. 6, the block 14 is provided with a projection14. which fits loosely in'the sleeve 7. This manner of attaching themirror block to the top is the reverse of that shown in Fig. 5.

To spin the top with the style of=- mirror shown in either Fig. 5 orFig. 6, the actuating string is applied to the top substantially asshown in Fig. 1. The mirror block attached to the sleeve of the top isnow held in the left hand, While the string is rapidly unwound with theright hand, after which, the block is released and left in position onthe sleeve. The connection betweenthe mirror block and the stem of thetop being loose, said block may be held in the hand while unwinding thestring, the top thus being held in position for spinning. As soon,however, as the string is unwound, the mirror block is released andcarried along with the spinning body of the top.

Having thus described my invention, what I claim is- 1. The combinationwith a top, of a mirror attached thereto in any suitable manner,substantially as described.

2. The combination with a top, of a sectional mirror, substantially asdescribed.

3. The combination of a top having a mirror attachment, and a tray orsupport conically hollowed to form aspinning surface for the top,substantially as described.

In testimony whereof I affix mysignature in 2 5 the presence of twowitnesses.

JOHN ADAMS. Witnesses:

J. E. BERRY, A. C. UPToN.

